Marudur Gopala Menon Ramachandran, popularly known as M.G.R and Puratchi Thalaivar MGR (Means Revolutionary Leader), was born on 17th January 1917 at Kandy, Sri Lanka . Marudur Gopalamenon Ramachandran, or MGR as he was widely known, was a unique phenomenon in Indian politics.

After his father died, his family moved to Tamil Nadu where they lived in poverty. When he was 6, he joined a theatre group – the Madurai Original Boys. Here he picked up acting, dancing and swordplay.

He could not pursue his studies beyond the primary stage due to poverty and hence joined a drama troupe named Boys company. A charismatic actor and philanthropist, he commanded the idolatrous adulation of millions of Tamilians and became Tamil Nadu’s chief minister. His achievements in 3 fields, namely films, philanthropy and politics were remarkable considering his humble origins in Sri Lanka.MGR made his screen debut in Ellis R Dungan’s Sathi Leelavathi (1936) but his first major breakthrough came much, much later with Rajakumari (1947).

MGR’s best known program was the free mid-day meal scheme for poor children. Dismissed as a populist program by academics, the media and middle class, the program ensured for hundreds of thousands of children poor children the only hearty meal of the day.

MGR was a member of the Congress Party till 1953 and he used to wear kathar and wear vibhuti on his forehead. In 1953 MGR joined the DMK with the help of M. Karunanidhi.

Due to various reasons he joined AIADMK), the only powerful opponent of the DMK He became Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in 1977, and remained in office till his death in 1987. It is to be noted that the AIADMK won every state assembly election as long as MGR was alive.

He was the first film actor to be a Chief Minister in India. MGR got everything done by attracting women both in politics and in the cine field.MGR died on December 24,1987 after his prolonged illness.

His death sparked off a frenzy of looting and rioting all over the state of Tamil Nadu. Shops, movie theatres, buses and other public and private property became the target of violence let loose all over the state. The police had to resortissuing shoot-at-sight orders.

People Adress him as, The most Charismatic Hero and Leader. The man with principles. Sacrificed everything for his principles and never sacrificed his principles for anything. A man with golden heart &amp; golden skin.